Randall Chase, left, a reporter for the Associated Press, photographs Capts. James Blinn, left, and Jonathan Weaver, right, pilots with the 3rd Airlift Squadron, Dover Air Force Base, Del., as they perform air refueling duties Jan. 7, 2013, over New England. Chase and 11 other media representatives observed an air refueling mission with a KC-135R from the 101st Air Refueling Wing, Bangor, Maine, during an orientation flight. (U.S. Air Force photo/Roland Balik)

1/15/2013 - Dover Air Force Base, Del. -- Dover Airmen were visited by 12 media representative from the DELMARVA area during the first Media Day event on 7 January 2013 here at Dover Air Force Base, Del.

Reporters with affiliations from the Dover Post, Delaware State News, News Journal, WDDE 91.1 FM radio and Air Force Times attended the Media Day event held by the 436 Airlift Wing Public Affairs. Media Day kicked off with an interactive mission brief from the 436th Airlift Wing Commander, a C-17 air refueling flight and visits to the 436th Aerial Port Squadron and Families of the Fallen.

"When people [in the community] see the planes flying around, they don't all understand how much stuff goes through here," says Chris Flood, reporter from the Delaware State News.

Media helps tell Team Dover stories to the audiences the public affairs offices may not always be able to reach. Local reporters illustrated during media day that they are genuinely interested in what happens at Dover Air Force Base.

The relationship Team Dover has with the local media is important because they can tell the Air Force story and recognize the Airmen in a local level, national and international level.

"My favorite part about giving a tour and showcasing the Aerial Port is physically walking them into our buildings and seeing their eyes open very wide with a sudden realization [of what we do]," said 1st Lt. Tyler Olson, Combat Readiness and Resources flight commander, 436th Aerial Port Squadron.

"Our Airmen work extremely hard and very long hours while expecting nothing in return," said Olson. "To do what they do every day safely, by the book, and on time while keeping a smile is not an easy task. That attitude, which every Airman in the 436th APS holds, is why it is important to highlight [them] to every tour group. They are what make this unit the best."

As the day came to a close, the reporters expressed their thoughts with public affairs regarding the day and their future interests. Wing leadership thanked the media for visiting the base.

"The story of our mission and our Airmen is strongly compelling...we simply need your help with the opportunity to tell it," said Col Rick Moore, 436th Airlift Wing commander.

The 436th APS, as well as the units visited during media day, were highlighted by the media outlets in various articles written about the day's events.